Differential Diagnosis for Gout Flare with Slightly Red Knee
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gouty arthritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's history of gout flare. The presence of a slightly red knee could be indicative of inflammation, which is consistent with gout.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease, CPPD): Similar to gout, pseudogout can cause sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, often accompanied by redness and warmth.
- Septic arthritis: Although less likely than gout or pseudogout, septic arthritis is a possible diagnosis, especially if the patient has a fever or other signs of infection.
- Rheumatoid arthritis flare: If the patient has a history of rheumatoid arthritis, a flare could cause similar symptoms, including joint redness and pain.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Septic arthritis (infection): This is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications, including joint destruction and sepsis.
- Cellulitis or skin infection: If the redness is due to a skin infection, it could spread and become severe if not treated promptly.
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection): Although rare, osteomyelitis is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joint): This could cause joint pain, swelling, and redness, but it is less common and usually associated with trauma or bleeding disorders.
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS): A rare condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and redness due to abnormal growth of the joint lining.
- Neuropathic arthropathy: A rare condition that can cause joint pain, swelling, and redness, often associated with nerve damage or neuropathy.